Page:A history of Chinese literature - Giles.djvu/161

Rh When a white palfrey passed with a saddle of gold, And a damsel as fair as the fairest of old.

But she veiled so discreetly her charms from my eyes That the boy who was with her quite felt for my sighs; And although not a light-o'-love reckoned, I deem, It was hard that this vision should pass like a dream."

(A.D. 689–740) gave no sign in his youth of the genius that was latent within him. He failed at the public examinations, and retired to the mountains as a recluse. He then became a poet of the first rank, and his writings were eagerly sought after. At the age of forty he went up to the capital, and was one day conversing with his famous contemporary, Wang Wei, when suddenly the Emperor was announced. He hid under a couch, but Wang Wei betrayed him, the result being a pleasant interview with his Majesty. The following is a specimen of his verse:—

Equally famous as poet and physician was (A.D. 699–759). After a short spell of official life, he too